Location-based augmented reality game control

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for deterring augmented reality game players from intruding on undesirable locations (e.g., high risk locations, culturally sensitive locations, locations marked by property owners). The exemplary method includes obtaining a location of a mobile device using a first sensor of the mobile device and accessing a first locational database responsive to the location of the mobile device. The exemplary method further includes retrieving from the first locational database an augmented reality object; obtaining an indication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirable location; and modifying the augmented reality object responsive to the indication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirable location. The exemplary method also includes displaying the modified augmented reality object at a display of the mobile device.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the electrical, electronic and computerarts, and more specifically, to augmented reality gaming.

Augmented reality (“AR”) gaming is a location-based form of interactiveentertainment. A game player consents to having their location trackedby a mobile device that they use to play the game. While playing thegame, the mobile device displays a real-time image of the game player'slocation sometimes overlaid with an image of one or more game items(e.g., characters, resources, or game locations). Using the mobiledevice, the game player interacts with the virtual game items that are“present” at the player's real world location. Thus, as an essentialpart of the game, the player transits between real world locations andspends time in particular locations interacting with the game. Oneimportant aspect of a location-based augmented reality games is “trust”about real world locations.

SUMMARY

Principles of the invention provide techniques for location-basedaugmented reality game control. In one aspect, an exemplary methodprovides for deterring augmented reality game players from intruding onundesirable locations (e.g., high risk locations, culturally sensitivelocations, locations marked by property owners). The exemplary methodincludes obtaining a location of a mobile device using a first sensor ofthe mobile device and accessing a first locational database responsiveto the location of the mobile device. The exemplary method furtherincludes retrieving from the first locational database an augmentedreality object; obtaining an indication that the location of the mobiledevice is an undesirable location; and modifying the augmented realityobject responsive to the indication that the location of the mobiledevice is an undesirable location. The exemplary method also includesdisplaying the modified augmented reality object at a display of themobile device.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a non-transitory computerreadable medium embodying computer executable instructions which whenexecuted by a processor of a mobile device cause the processor of themobile device to perform the exemplary method.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is an apparatus thatincludes a memory; a display; at least a first sensor; and at least oneprocessor, coupled to said memory, said first sensor, and said display.The at least one processor is operative to implement the exemplarymethod.

As used herein, “facilitating” an action includes performing the action,making the action easier, helping to carry the action out, or causingthe action to be performed. Thus, by way of example and not limitation,instructions executing on one processor might facilitate an actioncarried out by instructions executing on a remote processor, by sendingappropriate data or commands to cause or aid the action to be performed.For the avoidance of doubt, where an actor facilitates an action byother than performing the action, the action is nevertheless performedby some entity or combination of entities.

One or more embodiments of the invention or elements thereof can beimplemented in the form of a computer program product including acomputer readable storage medium with computer usable program code forperforming the method steps indicated. Furthermore, one or moreembodiments of the invention or elements thereof can be implemented inthe form of a system (or apparatus) including a memory, and at least oneprocessor that is coupled to the memory and operative to performexemplary method steps. Yet further, in another aspect, one or moreembodiments of the invention or elements thereof can be implemented inthe form of means for carrying out one or more of the method stepsdescribed herein; the means can include (i) hardware module(s), (ii)software module(s) stored in a computer readable storage medium (ormultiple such media) and implemented on a hardware processor, or (iii) acombination of (i) and (ii); any of (i)-(iii) implement the specifictechniques set forth herein.

Techniques of the present invention can provide substantial beneficialtechnical effects. For example, one or more embodiments provide one ormore of:

Monitoring various events and activities about the user (e.g. usercontext), location, crowd pressure, etc., using data from mobile devicesensors and other plurality of data sources and computing devices.

Facilitating feedback regarding a real-world location containing anaugmented reality character or considered for such containing in thefuture by assessing concern or risk level of the location.

Modifying the augmented reality character or object and displaying themodified augmented reality object at a display of the mobile devicebased on the location of the mobile device is an undesirable location.

Detecting and predicting excessive and/or unhealthy gaming use bymeasuring the obsessive and excessive interaction or usage of augmentedreality associated with negative life experiences such as distraction,anxiety and preoccupation.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts in flowchart form a method for location-based augmentedreality game control, according to embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 4 depicts a computer system that may be useful in implementing oneor more aspects and/or elements of the invention, also representative ofa cloud computing node according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). Theconsumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructureincluding network, servers, operating systems, storage, or evenindividual application capabilities, with the possible exception oflimited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for loadbalancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 includes one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 1 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 2, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 1) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62;servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks andnetworking components 66. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 67 and database software 68.

Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual privatenetworks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtualclients 75.

In one example, management layer 80 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may include applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 84provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtualclassroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94;transaction processing 95; and location-based augmented reality gamecontrol 96.

Referring to FIG. 3, a method 300 according to embodiments of theinvention includes identifying 302 a user or group of users engaged witha location-based augmented reality (“AR”) game. The method 300 alsoincludes receiving 304, by a cloud-enabled mobile system, feedbackregarding a real world (“RW”) location associated with an AR object(“ARC”) or considered for future association with an ARC. Additionally,the method 300 includes monitoring 306 various events and activitiesabout the user or group of users (e.g. user context), location, crowdpressure, etc., by one or more modules of the cloud-enabled mobilesystem. The method 300 further includes extracting, analyzing, andcharacterizing 308 various affinity measures such aslocation-tags/labels affinity measures, locations-ARCs affinitymeasures, ARCs-User Context affinity measures, etc. Exemplary affinitymeasures include how often a location has been labelled as “safe” or“dangerous”, how frequently a particular ARC spawns at a given location,how many times a user has collected a given ARC. The data for variousaffinity measures are obtained from mobile built-in sensors (e.g.,accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, camera sensor, audio sensor, touchsensor, temperature, etc.), other nearby computing or communicationdevices (e.g. Wifi, beacon, network tower, nearby user computing devicessuch as mobile phones of other players), and other data sources such asuser electronic calendar, social media data (e.g. twitter, Facebook,etc.) and other crowdsourced public data to determine or infer the usercognitive and affective states, user profile and context, as well as todetermine the profile of the location. Users may opt-in or opt-out ofhaving various information used to generate the affinity measures. In asimplest exemplary embodiment, the user's location, which already istracked as part of game play, is used to assess user context such astotal time involved in game play, speed between game locations, etc.Various existing algorithms and learning techniques such as crowdanalytics, social analytics, text analytics, and visual analytics can betrained and/or configured to compute the affinity measures, using dataobtained from the various sources as mentioned above.

For example, contextual analysis of the phone/device usage (e.g., bydetecting emergency situations from incoming text message sent, incomingtweets, incoming calls, incoming Facebook alerts, checking maps) mayenable generating alerts or tips while at the same time making graphicalchanges to an AR object to deter game players from approaching anundesirable location.

Additionally, the method 300 may include capturing a live camera imageof the real world, and determining whether there are image tags/IDs inthe real world in the live camera image. Such tags (e.g. on real-worldsigns, on walls, on trees) may be used to moderate, control, orinfluence the ARC based on the needs of the stakeholders (e.g.,supervisors of wildlife preserves, homeowners, hospitals) who haveplaced the tags (e.g. bar codes, QR codes, RFIDs, etc.). For example,real world locations (such as shops, restaurant, tourist events, safarianimal activity sites, cemeteries) may use tags not only to ban ormodify ARCs that would otherwise be generated by the AR game, but alsoto add special ARCs to their locations. The user may optionally opt-into read these tags with their phones, because some users may want toreduce risk, be good citizens, etc. Alternatively, detecting and readingsuch tags may be made an integral feature of the AR game.

As noted, one important aspect of a location-based augmented realitygames is “trust” about real world locations. Actors or users maymaliciously profile a location for different purposes (e.g., misleadinggame players by falsifying the profile of a location where the ARC canbe placed). Thus, it is important for the system to verify/validate anylocation related transaction. Accordingly, the method 300 includestracking 310 or verifying recommended locations, labels, or tags using alocation/label/tag blockchain-based system. The blockchain systemsecurely tracks, stores, and maintains location related transactionsalong with other location metadata. A blockchain is a distributeddatabase that maintains a continuously-growing list of data recordshardened against tampering and revision. It consists of data structureblocks—which hold exclusively data in initial blockchainimplementations, and both data and programs in some of the more recentimplementations—with each block holding batches of individualtransactions and the results of any blockchain executables. Each blockcontains a timestamp and information (e.g., a hash of a previous block)that links it to a previous block.

A blockchain is a distributed permissionless or permissioned ledger thatmaintains a continuously growing list of data records hardened againsttampering and revision. It consists of data structure blocks—which holdexclusively data in initial blockchain implementations, and both dataand programs in some of the more recent implementations—with each blockholding batches of individual transactions and the results of anyblockchain executables (“chaincode”). Each block contains a timestampand information (e.g., a hash of a previous block) that links it to aprevious block. Thus, a blockchain can serve as a public or proprietarynetwork ledger of transactions committed by the users associated withthe blockchain. Blockchain is peer-to-peer. Additionally, the blockchainresides not in a single server, but across a distributed network ofcomputers. Accordingly, whenever new transactions occur, the peers ofthe distributed network authenticate the additions to the blockchain.Permissionless blockchain implementations allow any user to connect tothe network, send new transactions to it, verify transactions, andcreate new blocks. In permissioned blockchain, only authorized users maysign and verify transactions. According to some implementations ofpermissioned blockchain, users initially can be authorized by hard-codedchaincode; thereafter the chaincode can be modified to authorize newusers by consent of the existing authorized users.

Distributed recording and authentication provide substantial beneficialtechnical effects of blockchain technology. (1) The ability forindependent nodes to converge on a consensus of the latest version of alarge data set such as a ledger, even when the nodes are runanonymously, have poor interconnectivity and have operators who aredishonest or malicious. (2) The ability for any well-connected node todetermine, with reasonable certainty, whether a transaction does or doesnot exist in the data set. (3) The ability for any node that creates atransaction to, after a confirmation period, determine with a reasonablelevel of certainty whether the transaction is valid, able to take placeand become final (i.e., that no conflicting transactions were confirmedinto the blockchain elsewhere that would invalidate the transaction,such as the same currency units “double-spent” somewhere else). (4) Aprohibitively high cost to attempt to rewrite or alter transactionhistory. (5) Automated conflict resolution that ensures that conflictingtransactions (such as two or more attempts to spend the same balance indifferent places) never become part of the confirmed data set.

In one embodiment, location tracking transactions associated with astakeholder are compiled into a chain of location transaction blocks.The chain can be considered a chronicle of a location's historicalprofile through time. When a transaction is conducted (e.g. a locationis created or updated), the corresponding location parameters (e.g.,user information, tags, labels, time stamp) are sent to one or morevalidation components. The components establish a validity of thetransaction and generate a new block. Once the new block has beencalculated it can be appended to the location's historical profileblockchain. The system may further track a possible risk assessment (amultidimensional vector, with several dimensions of risk as discussedabove). Computed location parameters/tags such as dangerous, safe,unknown, inappropriate, complaints filed, accidents, unlawful activity,culturally sensitive, etc. can be tracked and stored.

One example of added feature of a blockchain-implemented system is a“Lock In Attribution” feature, where the system can help create apermanent and unbreakable link between the history of the ARCs andplayer location pathways. That link—the record of historical profile ofthe location—can be verified and tracked. In addition, the feature “GainVisibility” can help trace where and how ARCs placed, journey of theplayer, and locations visited. Our system may show all the profiles ofthe suggested ARC locations. According to another example, the feature“Certificate of Authenticity” may allow each registeredactors/stakeholders (players, regulators, businesses, conservationists)associated with the game to have a COA, a built in unique cryptographicID and the complete “ownership” game history. For example, theonboarding of suggested actors/stakeholders (players, regulators,businesses, conservationists) into the game may be logged in blockchainat the stakeholder's initial location and in the stakeholder's own gamehistory. Each subsequent stakeholder action (e.g., collecting an ARC,labelling a location) then may be logged in blockchain both at therelevant location and in the stakeholder's own game history.

Responsive to the preceding steps, the method 300 also includespredicting 312 location-based risk of the user/player, taking intoaccount a level of inappropriateness (e.g., solemn memorial location,health care facility, other culturally sensitive areas), risk of harm toenvironment, risk of trespass violation, history of unlawful activity orincidents involving AR players, accidents involving vehicular traffic,locations near train tracks or subway platforms, legal concerns relatedto trespassing, risks to wildlife or the environment, military bases,nursing homes, locations near Safari areas, wildlife areas, or gamepreserves, where dangerous wild animals can cause risk to player at acertain time of the day, or other features of a location that may renderthe location undesirable for AR gameplay.

The risk may also take into consideration risk of visiting a location(e.g. unknown places) based on predicted or forecasted of risk scoreusing historical AR visits. Such related factors as time spent in area,distance walked in area, etc. may be considered—along with informationrelated to other similar players in similar locations. The riskprediction/forecast may consider a number of warnings received in thelast T minutes (e.g. prior 15 minutes) for the last K distance travelled(0.3 km), etc. The feedback is based on user/player reports, reports byproperty owners, reports by police or other officials, reports made bysupervisors of wildlife preserves, etc. Such feedback may be registeredby many means, including comments or text or image input usingsmartphones. It may also be supplied using more official means, such asforms supplied at a Web site. Geolocation-based services can be fetchedfrom the Cloud such as between time T1 and T2 visiting a location Lwould expose the user to unlawful activity, possibility of a lion tocome from the Safari region, etc. This can be useful for detecting therisk of accident, which may be a basis for generating informativeamelioration action such as providing to the user useful/recommendedtips via sound/text/graphics. For example, such system may detect thatin 500 meters there will be a known dangerous intersection location Land the player is travelling to obtain an ARC at location L, pleaseavoid visiting the place for the moment. Properties of unknownlocations—as they relate to risk and inappropriateness and otherparameters—can be learned, estimated, or inferred from nearby locations.

Further, the method 300 can alert users of risks pertinent to theirparticular cohorts (e.g. a diabetic kid who is losing track of time,thus placing himself at possible risk, when attempting to enter a cornfield, far from any possible help) and/or excessive and/or unhealthygaming behavior of the player/user (e.g. distraction, anxiety,preoccupation, etc.). Using, as mentioned above, data collected frommobile device built-in sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS,camera sensor, audio sensor, touch sensor, etc.) and other data sources,a custom pattern recognition and Natural Language Processing (NLP)module can be configured to analyze the speech, gait, facial expression,cognitive or affective states (e.g. distraction, anxiety) of the user.The custom module further may be configured to analyze environmentalcontext (e.g. location, time of the day, etc.). From the user electroniccalendar, social media activities and historical interactions across theplayer population, the user (pre)occupation can be inferred by usingmachine learning or statistical analysis techniques. Thus, riskprediction may take into consideration: user cohort (e.g., is the useralone or apparently playing/walking with others; approximate age;health, social, affective/cognitive context), location of cohort, etc.For example, a user may actually specify a desire to be protected insome way because the user has fallen in the past or been involved in anunlawful incident.

Further, the system and method 300 may comprise various learning modules(e.g. NLP) which may be embedded as part of the underlying AR gameplatform for verifying or regulating when and how to trigger or suggestamelioration actions. For example, the suggested amelioration actionsmay be triggered when a timer or progress bar has passed a riskthreshold in a space of high dimensions that includes several dimensionsof possible concern—wherein the said timer and progress bar is computedor learned in real-time, by instrumenting the player activities,locations of ARC, etc. The risks and concerns may be multidimensional innature, with estimated components stored in a higher-dimensional array.A multidimensional risk array may contain entries about risk related tothe user (derived from user cognitive or affective states, user contextand cohort such as related to health status, etc.), risk related to thelocation (derived from location profile), etc. Another dimension can bea risk of combination of two or more players. A further dimension can beevents and actions already took place as well as other event sequencesthat can lead to potential incidents. Another dimension can be whetherit is a single entity or an entity that is part of a social networkperforming the action or exhibiting the suspicious behavior. Further,the level of destruction caused by other players or ARCs being placed ina location can be a dimension. In addition, the multidimensional arrayis dynamically updated as new risk is discovered and/or computed by thesensors and configured cognitive neural network module.

Generally, a cognitive neural network includes a plurality of computerprocessors that are configured to work together to implement one or moremachine learning algorithms. The implementation may be synchronous orasynchronous. In a neural network, the processors simulate thousands ormillions of neurons, which are connected by axons and synapses. Eachconnection is enforcing, inhibitory, or neutral in its effect on theactivation state of connected neural units. Each individual neural unithas a summation function which combines the values of all its inputstogether. In some implementations, there is a threshold function orlimiting function on at least some connections and/or on at least someneural units, such that the signal must surpass the limit beforepropagating to other neurons. A cognitive neural network can implementsupervised, unsupervised, or semi-supervised machine learning.

Thus, risk prediction can occur based on rules learned by the cognitiveneural network from past transactions in the blockchain, for example, apattern of many user movements combined with discrete results such asincident reports, complaints against users, etc. By running the learnedrules on more recent patterns of user movements, it is possible for thecognitive neural network to identify potential risks to users withvarying degrees of confidence.

According to another example of risk prediction, a news feed can beutilized to determine that the risk might be higher on a particularlocation at a day, week, or month, based on different activities orevents occurring in the area, including protest, riot or holidayactivities. Thus, the inputs for the risk array can be dynamic and canchange (even significantly) over time. A risk analysis module uses themultidimensional array to generate a risk score for a given location,e.g., where the ARC is placed. If this risk level is higher than aspecified threshold T, it may trigger the amelioration module.

By comparing 314 the location-based risk to a threshold T, the method300 determines 316 whether to ameliorate 318 the risk by taking one ormore actions. Amelioration actions may include removing the AR object;substituting a different (less valuable) AR object; or changinggraphical attributes of the AR object (e.g., placing a veil or othergraphic item on the object to indicate various sorts of risks or tosuggest that AR players be quiet, avoid lingering, keep alert todanger). More severe amelioration actions might include shutting downthe AR game app, switching off the mobile device, vibrating or actuatinga flashing light of the mobile device. Another amelioration action mightbe sending alerts to other family members or close relatives or friends(obtained user's contact list) based ARC-User Context Affinity measures(e.g., emotionality destructed or anger about the ARC or locationsituation with a User of diabetes type 2).

By analyzing the context list (including contact tags such as familymember, friends, etc.), frequency of calls, time of calls, socialnetworking, the user family tree or social graph can be generated andupdated. The mobile system can be configured with the family tree orsocial graph so that the system can look-up whom to alert runtime.

According to some implementations of the method 300, ameliorationactions may be triggered only when crowd pressure (which is given as thelocal velocity variance multiplied by the local crowd density) or crowddensity exceed a threshold. Crowd pressure is a useful risk indicator ofpossible impending stampede. Crowd pressure may be estimated based onmonitoring locations of a plurality of mobile devices, for example,mobile devices that have the same AR game app installed.

After ameliorating 318 the risk, the method 300 proceeds to updating 320databases and historic blockchain blocks of locations, labels, or tags.The historic events blockchain associated to a location may be analyzed,by validating feedback provided regarding the location safety, level ofrisk, etc., in order to prevent cheating or misleading a game player.

Given the discussion thus far, it will be appreciated that, in generalterms, an exemplary method, according to an aspect of the invention,includes obtaining a location of a mobile device using a first sensor ofthe mobile device and accessing a first locational database responsiveto the location of the mobile device. The exemplary method furtherincludes retrieving from the first locational database an augmentedreality object; obtaining an indication that the location of the mobiledevice is an undesirable location; and modifying the augmented realityobject responsive to the indication that the location of the mobiledevice is an undesirable location. The exemplary method also includesdisplaying the modified augmented reality object at a display of themobile device.

The augmented reality object may be modified by changing its appearance;by substituting a less desirable augmented reality object; or even byremoving the augmented reality object from the display of the mobiledevice.

The indication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirablelocation may be obtained from the first locational database or from asecond locational database, or may be obtained from a real world markerusing a second sensor of the mobile device. Alternatively, theindication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirablelocation may be generated by the mobile device responsive to knowncharacteristics of a user of the mobile device, or may be generatedresponsive to an estimate of crowd pressure at the location of themobile device. For example, an estimate of crowd pressure may beobtained by monitoring at least one other mobile device.

According to certain implementations of the invention, an exemplarymethod may also include receiving feedback, via the mobile device,concerning the location of the mobile device; and updating the firstlocational database or a second locational database, responsive to thefeedback, to indicate that the location of the mobile device is anundesirable location.

According to certain implementations of the invention, the modifiedaugmented reality object may be displayed overlaid on a real world map.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a non-transitory computerreadable medium embodying computer executable instructions which whenexecuted by a processor of a mobile device cause the processor of themobile device to perform any of the methods above discussed. Accordingto certain embodiments, the computer executable instructions may includeinstructions which when executed by the processor of the mobile devicecause the processor of the mobile device to perform the additional stepsof monitoring at least one characteristic of a user of the mobiledevice; and generating an indication that the location of the mobiledevice is an undesirable location, responsive to the at least onecharacteristic of the user of the mobile device.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is an apparatus thatincludes a memory; a display; at least a first sensor; and at least oneprocessor, coupled to said memory, said first sensor, and said display.The at least one processor is operative to implement any of the methodsabove discussed.

One or more embodiments of the invention, or elements thereof, can beimplemented in the form of an apparatus including a memory and at leastone processor that is coupled to the memory and operative to performexemplary method steps. FIG. 4 depicts a computer system that may beuseful in implementing one or more aspects and/or elements of theinvention, also representative of a cloud computing node according to anembodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 4, cloudcomputing node 10 is only one example of a suitable cloud computing nodeand is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of embodiments of the invention described herein.Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable of being implementedand/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 4, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, and external disk drivearrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems,etc.

Thus, one or more embodiments can make use of software running on ageneral purpose computer or workstation. With reference to FIG. 4, suchan implementation might employ, for example, a processor 16, a memory28, and an input/output interface 22 to a display 24 and externaldevice(s) 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. Theterm “processor” as used herein is intended to include any processingdevice, such as, for example, one that includes a CPU (centralprocessing unit) and/or other forms of processing circuitry. Further,the term “processor” may refer to more than one individual processor.The term “memory” is intended to include memory associated with aprocessor or CPU, such as, for example, RAM (random access memory) 30,ROM (read only memory), a fixed memory device (for example, hard drive34), a removable memory device (for example, diskette), a flash memoryand the like. In addition, the phrase “input/output interface” as usedherein, is intended to contemplate an interface to, for example, one ormore mechanisms for inputting data to the processing unit (for example,mouse), and one or more mechanisms for providing results associated withthe processing unit (for example, printer). The processor 16, memory 28,and input/output interface 22 can be interconnected, for example, viabus 18 as part of a data processing unit 12. Suitable interconnections,for example via bus 18, can also be provided to a network interface 20,such as a network card, which can be provided to interface with acomputer network, and to a media interface, such as a diskette or CD-ROMdrive, which can be provided to interface with suitable media.

Accordingly, computer software including instructions or code forperforming the methodologies of the invention, as described herein, maybe stored in one or more of the associated memory devices (for example,ROM, fixed or removable memory) and, when ready to be utilized, loadedin part or in whole (for example, into RAM) and implemented by a CPU.Such software could include, but is not limited to, firmware, residentsoftware, microcode, and the like.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode will include at least one processor 16 coupled directly orindirectly to memory elements 28 through a system bus 18. The memoryelements can include local memory employed during actual implementationof the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories 32 which providetemporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce thenumber of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage duringimplementation.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards,displays, pointing devices, and the like) can be coupled to the systemeither directly or through intervening I/O controllers.

Network adapters 20 may also be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems orremote printers or storage devices through intervening private or publicnetworks. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are just a few of thecurrently available types of network adapters.

As used herein, including the claims, a “server” includes a physicaldata processing system (for example, system 12 as shown in FIG. 4)running a server program. It will be understood that such a physicalserver may or may not include a display and keyboard.

One or more embodiments can be at least partially implemented in thecontext of a cloud or virtual machine environment, although this isexemplary and non-limiting. Reference is made back to FIGS. 1-2 andaccompanying text.

It should be noted that any of the methods described herein can includean additional step of providing a system comprising distinct softwaremodules embodied on a computer readable storage medium; the modules caninclude, for example, any or all of the appropriate elements depicted inthe block diagrams and/or described herein; by way of example and notlimitation, any one, some or all of the modules/blocks and orsub-modules/sub-blocks described. The method steps can then be carriedout using the distinct software modules and/or sub-modules of thesystem, as described above, executing on one or more hardware processorssuch as 16. Further, a computer program product can include acomputer-readable storage medium with code adapted to be implemented tocarry out one or more method steps described herein, including theprovision of the system with the distinct software modules.

One example of user interface that could be employed in some cases ishypertext markup language (HTML) code served out by a server or thelike, to a browser of a computing device of a user. The HTML is parsedby the browser on the user's computing device to create a graphical userinterface (GUI). For example, implementations of the invention interceptand modify augmented reality object (character or item) code providedfrom an augmented reality game server, so as to alter the augmentedreality object in a manner consistent with the purpose of the invention(deterring game players from intruding on undesirable locations).

Exemplary System and Article of Manufacture Details

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

1.-11. (canceled)
 12. A non-transitory computer readable mediumembodying computer executable instructions which when executed by aprocessor of a mobile device cause the processor of the mobile device toperform the method of: obtaining a location of the mobile device using afirst sensor of the mobile device; accessing a first locational databaseresponsive to the location of the mobile device; retrieving from thefirst locational database an augmented reality object; obtaining anindication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirablelocation; modifying the augmented reality object responsive to theindication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirablelocation; and displaying the modified augmented reality object at adisplay of the mobile device.
 13. The medium of claim 12 furtherembodying computer executable instructions which when executed by theprocessor of the mobile device cause the processor of the mobile deviceto perform the additional steps of: monitoring at least onecharacteristic of a user of the mobile device; and generating anindication that the location of the mobile device is an undesirablelocation, responsive to the at least one characteristic of the user ofthe mobile device.
 14. The medium of claim 12 further embodying computerexecutable instructions which when executed by the processor of themobile device cause the processor of the mobile device to perform theadditional steps of: estimating crowd pressure at the location of themobile device; and generating an indication that the location of themobile device is an undesirable location, responsive to the estimate ofcrowd pressure.
 15. The medium of claim 12 further embodying computerexecutable instructions which when executed by the processor of themobile device cause the processor of the mobile device to perform theadditional steps of: receiving feedback, via the mobile device,concerning the location of the mobile device; and updating the firstlocational database or a second locational database, responsive to thefeedback, to indicate that the location of the mobile device is anundesirable location.
 16. The medium of claim 12 further embodyingcomputer executable instructions which when executed by the processor ofthe mobile device cause the processor of the mobile device to performthe additional steps of: detecting a real world marker using a secondsensor of the mobile device; and generating an indication that thelocation of the mobile device is an undesirable location, responsive tothe real world marker.
 17. An apparatus comprising: a memory; a display;at least a first sensor; and at least one processor, coupled to saidmemory, said first sensor, and said display, and operative to implementa method comprising: obtaining a location of the apparatus using thefirst sensor; accessing a first locational database responsive to thelocation of the apparatus; retrieving from the first locational databasean augmented reality object; obtaining an indication that the locationof the apparatus is an undesirable location; modifying the augmentedreality object responsive to the indication that the location of theapparatus is an undesirable location; and displaying the modifiedaugmented reality object at the display of the apparatus.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, further comprising a second sensor, wherein theindication that the location of the apparatus is an undesirable locationis obtained from a real world marker using the second sensor of theapparatus.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the indication that thelocation of the apparatus is an undesirable location is generated by theapparatus responsive to known characteristics of a user of theapparatus.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the indication that thelocation of the apparatus is an undesirable location is generatedresponsive to an estimate of crowd pressure at the location of theapparatus.